Today’s Predictions: Belgium Vs Tunisia

The 27th match of the FIFA World Cup 2018 will take place between one of the favourites Belgium and African nation Tunisia.

Date : 23rd June 2018

Time :5:30 PM (IST)

Venue : Spartak Stadium, Moscow

While Belgium boast of having one of the strongest lineups in the tournament, Tunisia are comparative minnows. Belgium comfortably sailed through Panama and are expected to top this group, while Tunisia gave England a tough fight.

FIFA World Cup Qualification

Belgium dominated their way to World Cup qualification, scoring a record 43 goals while conceding only 6. Though they were placed in relatively easy group with Bosina – Herzegovina and Greece their only real challengers, The Red Devils delivered a strong statement of intent that their ‘Golden Generation’ is more than ready to live up to that tag. They won 9 matches and drew one to Greece, with Lukaku leading the way with 11 goals and Eden Hazard in stupendous form himself.

Tunisia had a dramatic qualification campaign. Put in a favourable group, they expectedly dominated against Guinea and Libya, taking 10 points in 4 games against them, before clashing with Congo in an intense double header. They scrapped to a 2-1 win in the first leg, and then showed their infamous resolve and grit to score 2 second half goals to draw the second leg 2-2 and achieve qualification.

Team Form

Belgium are unbeaten in their last 4 games, as Roberto Martinez seems to have gotten the perfect formula for all their big name players to gel. Big wins against Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Costa Rica proved their potent attack can be devastating, while a 0-0 draw against Portugal was a good test for their defence.

Tunisia have drawn 3 and won 2 of their last 6 matches, but lost their last match to Spain. They earned a credible draw against Portugal after back-to-back wins against Iran and Costa Rica, to prove they can cut it with other World Cup teams. Their first game against England almost earned them a point, but they did not look out of place.

Belgium and Tunisia in the World Cup So Far

Belgium were dominant as expected against Panama, with Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne eventually stepping up to assist Romelu Lukaku. The defence, along with Thibaut Courtois, is also looking confident and this bodes well for the side for the games ahead.

Tunisia almost deservingly earned themselves a point against England, after they were awarded a penalty with which they had equalized. Only a last minute winner by Harry Kane proved to be their undoing.

Head To Head Record

These two nations have met 3 times before, with both of them boasting of one win each, while the third match ended in a draw, at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Team News

Belgium have one of the most formidable starting lineups in the tournament, with defensive cover cited as their only weakness. A major shock was the exclusion of AS Roma’s combative midfielder Radja Nainggolan from the final 23 man squad, a decision which forced the player to take immediate retirement from international football and sent shockwaves down the European football circuit. Belgium would be happy to have Michy Batshuayi back from a lengthy injury though.

Tunisia have been ravaged by a set of unfortunate injuries, none bigger than their Marquee forward Youssef Msakni, who was their top scorer during the qualifier, including a memorable hattrick against Guinea. Some of their other key players are also not fully fit but have been included in the final squad.

Players To Watch Out For

Belgium have an abundance of world class talent to choose from, none more so than Chelsea’s mercurial forward Eden Hazard. Widely considered as one of the best players in the world, this could finally be Hazard’s golden chance to prove that he is on the same level as Messi and Ronaldo. Kevin De Bruyne, arguably the Premier League’s best player last season will be pulling the strings in midfield, while Manchester United’s striker Romelu Lukaku would be gunning for the Golden Boot straight away.

Tunisia are a team devoid of any specific stars, however the team’s work ethic, especially in midfield has made them a solid force. Thrir fixed midfield of Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Amine Ben Amor and Ghaylen Chaaleli can dominate the proceedings against several top sides as well. Wahbi Khazri is their main attacking threat, with his set pieces adding another dimension to their gameplay.

Belgium Vs Tunisia Betting Odds And Key Statistics

This is Belgium’s 13th World Cup appearance.

Belgium won their first 4 games at the 2014 World Cup before being eliminated by Argentina in the quarterfinal. They are heavy favourites to reach the quarterfinal stage this time around as well.

This match is expected to be a thoroughly one sided affair with Belgium the clear favourites. Tunisia will again try to contain a top side, but Belgium have way too much quality all across the pitch.

Belgium have one of the best attacks in the world, and they would be looking to exploit Tunisia’s lack of experience on the big stage. We advise betting on the above 2.5 goals scored market.

Predicted Result

Belgium are widely tipped to go all the way in this tournament, and with a big win against Panama already putting them top of their group, they would be looking to confirm their status as table toppers and qualifying for the next round with a convincing win.